Muslims from throughout Greater Portland gathered at the Portland Expo on Friday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. Amran Mahamed strikes a pose before Eid prayers. Staff photo by Ben McCanna

Muslims from throughout Greater Portland gathered at the Portland Expo on Friday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. Amran Mahamed strikes a pose before Eid prayers.

Ahmed Abdirahman, executive director of the Maine Muslim Community Center, poses for a portrait after Eid prayers. The holiday is the culmination of a month of fasting. "It’s a day to celebrate the achievement of a whole month of reflection and fasting," Abdirahman said. "It's a day of family and friends; a day of greeting and prayers and good wishes."

During Ramadan Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Eid al-Fitr is always a joyous festival, but especially after a Ramadan month in summer, with long days of fasting. Albas Mohammed, 17, adjusts his keffiyeh before attending Eid prayers.

Parents Ismael and Muna Ali pose for a portrait with their five children. Ismael said the holiday is joyous, especially after a month of fasting. "It’s the reviving. It’s back to life again," he said. Clockwise from top left: Fatima Abdourahman, father Ismael Ali, Mustapha Abdourahman, mother Muna Ali, Nadia Abdourahman, Nabila Abdourahman and Nasim Abdourahman.

Temporary henna designs on hands are a part of the social and holiday celebration. For thousands of years they've been used to mark celebratory occasions throughout Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Farhiya Abdi laughs while posing for her portrait.

Siham Mohamed was one of thousands who came for Friday's prayers. Ahmed Abdirahman, executive director of the Maine Muslim Community Center, estimated 5,000 people attended the event, the biggest year ever.